Alain Mikli
ActiveOverview
Alain Mikli is a French eyewear brand founded in 1978, known for high-end handmade sunglasses and eyeglasses featuring unique colors, unconventional shapes, and innovative designs influenced by punk rock and new wave aesthetics.23 It gained recognition through celebrity endorsements from figures like Elton John, Kanye West, and Catherine Deneuve, positioning it as a favorite among European celebrities and avant-garde Americans.123 The brand emphasizes bold materials like leather and metal, patented technologies such as the Biolink hinge, and production in France using traditional craftsmanship.3
History
Alain Mikli (born Alain Miklitarian in 1955) opened his design studio in Paris in 1978, launching eyewear that transformed glasses from medical necessities to fashion statements.123 By 1983, celebrity endorsements from Elton John boosted recognition, leading to sales of around FF220 million and 220 employees by 2000.2 In 2009, Mikli acquired 75% of Vuarnet, and in 2013, Luxottica bought Alain Mikli International for €90 million.12 In 2024, he relaunched the eyewear business with a new optics store in Paris.2
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Eyewear (bold colors and shapes) | Avant-garde fashion eyewear | $300 - $800 |
| Biolink Hinge Frames (bio-inspired flexible hinges) | Innovative comfort-focused designs | $400 - $900 |
| Shutter Shades (Kanye West style) | Iconic pop culture sunglasses | $250 - $600 |
| Collaborations (Starck Eyes, Gaultier) | Designer partnership collections | $500 - $1,200 |
Manufacturing
Products are made in France using traditional craftsmanship techniques.3 Alain Mikli remains involved in hand-sketching designs.3 No details on in-house vs. outsourced production beyond French origin.
Notable Products
- Shutter Shades - Futuristic louvered sunglasses popularized by Kanye West in 'Stronger' video.
- Biolink Hinge Frames - Patented system mimicking human joints for adjustable comfort and durability.
- Elton John Frames - Early bold designs worn by Elton John in 'I'm Still Standing' video.
- Starck Eyes - Collaboration with Philippe Starck featuring unconventional shapes.
- Punk Rock Series - 1980s-inspired frames with leather, metal, and vibrant colors.
Reputation
Enthusiasts and professionals praise Alain Mikli for pioneering eyewear as a fashion accessory with innovative shapes, colors, and technologies like Biolink, earning Silmo d'Or awards.3 It holds strong appeal among celebrities and avant-garde circles for its rock'n'roll edge and French craftsmanship.123 Criticisms are limited in sources, though its niche positioning may limit mainstream accessibility compared to larger brands post-Luxottica acquisition.1
Sources (4)
- https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-watches/article/1113584/alain-mikli-optician-rich-and-famous
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alain_Mikli
- https://pretavoir.co.uk/blogs/news/alain-mikli-eyeconoclast
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k769404-Alain_Mikli_Eyeglasses_shopping-Paris_Ile_de_France.html